Application volume is down from its peak in December 2010, but still remains high when compared to pre-recession levels. Further, more than 65% of applicants still do not meet basic requirements.

The 2012 Candidate Rules of Engagement report, which includes survey results from 215 recruiting professionals across 150 organizations globally, reveals recruiters’ preferred candidate code of conduct and helps candidates avoid common pitfalls. Here are four guidelines you should keep in mind to improve your chances of landing your dream job:

Don’t Cast a Wide Net; Be Targeted in Your Search. Recruiters attach high value to experience and qualifications. Save yourself—and recruiters—time by only applying to jobs that are a clear fit for your skills and experiences.

Demonstrate Personal Qualities That Set You Apart from Similarly-Skilled Candidates. Don’t rely solely on experience and qualifications; illustrate intangible qualities like work ethic, passion for the job, performance potential and cultural fit to strengthen your case for selection.

Go Well Prepared. Asking thoughtful questions about the organization and showing excitement about the job signals to recruiters that you have assessed in advance whether the organization and the job are a good fit.

Steer Clear of Common “Deal-Breaker” Mistakes. Candidates often lose potential job offers by making petty blunders like holding to unrealistic salary requirements and denigrating previous employers.